December 2006 Worship Services

“Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh…”

One of my favorite hymns of the season is Jingle Bells. Little did I know I would find out completely by chance that this wonderful hymn was written by a Unitarian Universalist.

While I was finishing up my training to become an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, I attended an anti-racism workshop put on by the Unitarian Universalist Association—it was called a Jubilee World 2. This worship was held in a small church in Savannah, Georgia that was active in anti-racism work throughout Georgia. It just so happens that the congregation of this church had recently moved. They moved back to a church that was Unitarian back at the turn of the century. This church rested next to a little circle park—there were many of these little circle parks running throughout Savannah. This church had been in the hands of other faith communities for many years. The last congregation that owned the church was an African American Baptist Church that practiced full emersion adult baptism; so there was a large pool in the back of the sanctuary behind the pulpit.

I found out that the church was restoring this Unitarian church back to its original turn of the century look. They were in process of removing the pool and painting/plastering the church. This small congregation was working hard to restore this lovely church.

On a break from our workshop, I wandered through the park beside the church. I saw a historical marker in the park. The marker was pointed at the church. It read: In this church the classic Christmas hymn “Jingle Bells” was written. James Pierpont, organist at Savannah's Unitarian Universalist Church in 1857, wrote this famous hymn.

I thought “Wow, if people only knew that Jingle Bells was written by a Unitarian Universalist, they might even ask what is Unitarian Universalism.” We do have a lot of famous people in our history, one who invented the eraser, one discovered the circulatory system in the human body, many who were famous authors, poets, scientists, activists, even a president. We all need to look into our history, and when we do, we may be surprised by the contributions of our UU forebearers. And when we are singing Jingle Bells with family or friends, we might just mention, “Did you know that that carol was written by a Unitarian Universalist?”

Rev. Tom

Worship Services:

December 4

All Music Service by Rachelsarah Cludius, member

Come sing Christmas carols and other music.

December 10

End of Life—A Spiritual Opportunity by Reverend Tom Capo

Lately I have been handing out Life Crisis forms to many congregates and regular visitors. This form asks a person to consider issues like what would you like at your memorial service—music, readings, remembrances. It is not easy for many of us to think about the end of our lives or how we like our lives to be remembered. I have spend time with a number of people who were nearing the end of their lives; some of these people had much to share, and some, I felt, wanted permission to face the issues that naturally come up when one’s life is nearing an end.

December 17

The Three Wise Men: Different Perspectives by Reverend Tom Capo

The Christians and the Zoroastrians have different views of the Wise Men Story. Also today, we look back on this ancient story for some meaning that make sense to us in our modern, fast-paced lives. Let’s explore the story of the Three Wise Men and see where we end up with it.

Potluck - Noon

December 24

Christmas Eve Morning and Annual Christmas Breakfast by Reverend Tom Capo

Each year, we celebrate Christmas together the Sunday before Christmas; this year, this Sunday just happens to be Christmas Eve. We bring breakfast foods to share, as we join together in this intergenerational service; we sing Christmas carols, and we revisit the origins of the Christmas Season, and its influence on our lives today.

December 31

Burning Your Regrets